Harnessing Technology to Enhance Opera Productions While Honoring the Craftsmanship and Emotional Depth of Human Creativity."

"The more we capitalize on the beauty and spirit that opera represents, the better off human-kind and the world will be"

OUR STORY.   Metro Opera Tech is a testament to the resilience of the arts and the limitless possibilities of creativity. Acknowledging the significance of the arts in meeting the needs and desires of individuals, we are dedicated to providing a platform for human expression.


OUR MISSION. Is to harness the beauty and spirit embodied in opera, a significant part of cultural heritage, which allows us to explore and understand historical events, social structures, and cultural nuances through the lens of creative interpretation. Located in diverse New York City, our mission is to serve a broad audience—longtime residents and newcomers alike—by offering live performances that connect people to their culture, stories, and each other. Our work creates spaces for reflection, renewal, and cultural exchange, while also supporting local jobs and businesses. Our purpose is to serve communities that reflect our company’s mission, which naturally raises important questions: What challenges are the people we serve facing? Are they struggling with lack of access, representation, or cultural connection? How do we reach and uplift marginalized communities? How do we engage new generations in our mission—within a rapidly evolving, tech-driven world—while honoring the values and wisdom of previous generations who are the foundation of our social and cultural fabric.

OUR OBJECTIVES. Understanding the challenges and aspirations that artists carry within them, at The Opera Tech, we believe that art belongs on stage. Our mission is to support local talents across diverse fields while fostering opportunities that drive transformative change in the arts. By creating opportunities for artists to shine, we empower them to explore their craft and connect with audiences in meaningful ways. 

CHAMPIONING OPERA PRESERVATION FOR JOB CREATION. We strive to support and create jobs in diverse fields—musicians, singers, directors, set designers, costume makers, and more—by championing the preservation of opera for lasting economic impact. By highlighting the positive impact on job markets, local businesses, and community development, we aim to garner support for the continued preservation and growth of opera.

ABOUT US

ORIADA ISLAMI

Founder - Impresario


"The more we capitalize on the beauty and spirit that opera represents, the better off human-kind and the world will be"


 ORIADA ISLAMI  - A dedicated and accomplished artist who grew up in a family of opera singers, she brings over 30 years of experience performing at esteemed opera houses around the world. Her career highlights include performances at the Royal Opera House Covent Garden, Opera North (UK), Queen Elizabeth Hall, Sadler’s Wells Theatre, Deutsche Oper Berlin, Frankfurt Theatre, Opéra Ballet de Lyon, Bunkamura Concert Hall in Tokyo, Art Center Opera Theatre in Seoul, and the Metropolitan Opera House in New York City, among others. Ms. Islami has been fortunate to witness the beauty of opera from many perspectives throughout her career, enriching both her artistry and her appreciation for the global operatic tradition.

"Understanding the challenges and dreams that artists carry within them, I believe emerging artists deserve opportunities to grow alongside masters. I believe creativity must evolve—and that innovation and emotion are key to keeping the arts alive.  The most powerful art doesn’t just entertain — it heals, uplifts, and brings us closer to our shared humanity. That belief is what drives both my artistic work and my humanitarian mission. I founded The Opera Tech to reimagine what opera can be and ensure its continued relevance".


Oriada Islami's  career has allowed her to collaborate with some of the world's finest artists, directors, choreographers, musicians, singers, and dancers. In 2003, Ms Islami stood out among over 1,000 women who auditioned in London and was selected by world-renowned choreographer Twyla Tharp to join the cast of a Tony Award-nominated Broadway production, "Movin Out," performing the role of Brenda and Judy, as conceived and created by Tharp and featuring the songs of Billy Joel.


Her work as a Director, Choreographer, Producer and Performer in the short video "Breath" was awarded with the prominent Venice 2020 Best International Short Video, and Indie Short Fest 2020 Outstanding Achievement Award Screen Dance. This showcases her versatility and skill in different aspects of the performing arts.

 

She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree and has furthered her expertise through Harvard University's  Certificate in Strategy Execution for Public Leadership, reflecting her commitment to lifelong learning and impactful leadership in the public sector. 


ORIADA ISLAMI

Founder -Impresario


 ORIADA ISLAMI  - A dedicated and accomplished artist who grew up in a family of opera singers, she brings over 30 years of experience performing at esteemed opera houses around the world. Her career highlights include performances at the Royal Opera House Covent Garden, Opera North (UK), Queen Elizabeth Hall, Sadler’s Wells Theatre, Deutsche Oper Berlin, Frankfurt Theatre, Opéra Ballet de Lyon, Bunkamura Concert Hall in Tokyo, Art Center Opera Theatre in Seoul, and the Metropolitan Opera House in New York City, among others. Ms. Islami has been fortunate to witness the beauty of opera from many perspectives throughout her career, enriching both her artistry and her appreciation for the global operatic tradition.

"Understanding the challenges and dreams that artists carry within them, I believe emerging artists deserve opportunities to grow alongside masters. I believe creativity must evolve—and that innovation and emotion are key to keeping the arts alive.  The most powerful art doesn’t just entertain — it heals, uplifts, and brings us closer to our shared humanity. That belief is what drives both my artistic work and my humanitarian mission. I founded The Opera Tech to reimagine what opera can be and ensure its continued relevance".


Oriada Islami's  career has allowed her to collaborate with some of the world's finest artists, directors, choreographers, musicians, singers, and dancers. In 2003, Ms Islami stood out among over 1,000 women who auditioned in London and was selected by world-renowned choreographer Twyla Tharp to join the cast of a Tony Award-nominated Broadway production, "Movin Out," performing the role of Brenda and Judy, as conceived and created by Tharp and featuring the songs of Billy Joel.


Her work as a Director, Choreographer, Producer and Performer in the short video "Breath" was awarded with the prominent Venice 2020 Best International Short Video, and Indie Short Fest 2020 Outstanding Achievement Award Screen Dance. This showcases her versatility and skill in different aspects of the performing arts.

 

She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree and has furthered her expertise through Harvard University's  Certificate in Strategy Execution for Public Leadership, reflecting her commitment to lifelong learning and impactful leadership in the public sector. 


 

"One of the world's most important interpreters of lyric tenor roles" (Opera Today)  



SAIMIR PIRGU - Is an internationally celebrated tenor, known for his "exceptionally boyish" and "gently ardent" voice. He has performed at major operatic venues around the world, including the Metropolitan Opera, La Scala, and the Royal Opera House Covent Garden. Pirgu is also highly regarded as a concert singer, with notable performances of Verdi's Messa da Requiem with the Vienna Philharmonic and Orchestra dell'Accademia di Santa Cecilia. He has collaborated with conductors including Riccardo Muti, Mariss Jansons, and Antonio Pappano, and has recorded an aria album with the Haydn Orchestra of Bolzano. The DVD/Blu-Ray recording of Król Roger from the Royal Opera House Covent Garden featuring Pirgu as Shepherd received a Grammy Awards nomination for Best Opera Recording in 2016.

Learn more: https://www.saimirpirgu.com

SAIMIR PIRGU

Artistic- Director

BOARD OF DIRECTORY


Executive Director/ Chairwomen

Oriada Islami


Secretary

Edd Moran


Advisory Board

Ronald Kunene

Kenneth Stevens


Administration

Oriada Islami

Brent Lollis


Marketing & Communication

Margie Guida


Media Relations

Julie Du


Membership and Promotions

James Lear